Visit the Middle Fork of the Salmon River
If you have been seeking an outdoor area to explore, look no further. The Middle Fork of the Salmon offers pristine, alpine whitewater for rafting enthusiasts, interesting historic towns, and unique camping or lodging experiences.
Driving
Most rafting or kayaking trips depart from Stanley, ID located about a 3 hour drive from Boise on HWY 21, which is a lovely scenic highway. From Twin Falls, drive north about 3.5 hours on HWY 75 through Sun Valley. The usual ending point for boating trips is Salmon, ID located close to the Montana border on the Main Salmon. Most outfitters work with shuttle services that can shuttle cars between Stanley and Salmon.
Flying
Idaho's main airport is located in Boise and is served by most major US airlines. From there, it is possible to fly by air taxi to many small towns or airstrips.
Salmon Air offers air taxi flights from the Boise Airport to various points along the Middle Fork. They work with many outfitters to help arrange flights to and from the Middle Fork.
McCall Air offers air taxi flights from Boise Airport to all airstrips located along the Middle Fork, as well as charter flights to various backcountry areas and cities in the Pacific Northwest.
Camping
Camping choices abound in this pristine wilderness area. Choose from State Parks, National Parks, and various public & private campgrounds. Most choices are near Stanley and there are many along the river accessible to rafters, kayakers or hikers. The USFS rangers assign riverside campsites based on your preferences and keep a list of campsite choices available on their website as well as information on obtaining permits, equipment requirements and recreation fees.
Lodging
Lodging choices are limited due to the remoteness of the area, but the small towns offer delightful locations from which to explore the area.
In Stanley
The Mountain Village Resort (800) 843-5475 is an excellent choice, which has natural hot springs, a restaurant and a general store. They also have suites to accommodate large groups of 6-8 people.
Meadow Creek Inn & Spa (800) 811-5745 offers nice getaway packages with a full service spa. They even have a tipi massage!
Redfish Lake Lodge (208) 644-9096 has free evening concerts on the lawn in the summertime. They have rustic cabins, lodge rooms, restaurant, dinner cruises and offer shuttles from the Stanley Airstrip.
In Salmon
Stagecoach Inn (208) 756-2919 is situated right on the Salmon River with a beautiful view. They offer a free airport shuttle and downtown is within walking distance.
Syringa Lodge (877) 580-6482 has rustic looking rooms with an incredible view of the Beaverheads, a mountain range in neighboring Montana. Room rates include a full breakfast.
Trail's End Motel (208) 756-1499 has truck & trailer parking. Pets are welcome and for $5 extra, your horse can rest easy in the corral.
Wagon's West Motel (800) 756-4281 has a hot tub and you can picnic on their island in the Main Salmon, where they maintain a BBQ and firepit. You can literally catch a steelhead, and cook it right there! They are also within walking distance to downtown, but have river-view rooms of the Main Salmon River.
Weather
Stanley, ID Elev. 6240
Salmon, ID Elev. 4045